Koh Tao - An Island Made for Diving

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1 September, Friday... After a long and uncomfortable bus and boat journey we got to the sandy shores of the small island of Koh Tao. Our plan is to do the Open Water dive course to set us up for the Great Barrier reef and anywhere else underwater along our route, it seems clear that this island is strongly geared towards diving (the guidebook did not lie, there are many dive schools here) because of the crystal clear blue water that you can see even at the pier. We went for a wander around to find the best dive/accommodation deal and promptly decided they all offered the same thing at the same price so we signed up for the largest company on the island, Ban's.

As we were feeling pretty worn out after our mammoth journey we chilled out on the beach for a while before heading off for the first part of our course, paperwork and a school style video. Out for Thai food in a mexican restaurant in the evening but was kind of ruined by the overly loud movie playing on the large screen, Scary Movie 4. We then went off to watch a slightly better movie but rather than United 93 they were playing the Big Blue, a long, slow film about diving and dolphins, time for bed methinks.

2 September, Saturday... Early start (oh no, not again) to get our first bit of dive training, learning the equipment and practicing skills in the pool (I'm sure we looked like idiots sitting on the bottom of the pool in scuba gear but hey, we're not the only ones). It all went fine but I'm not so keen on taking off my mask and putting it back on all underwater. Lunch and then a classroom session (oh no, dive school seems to really mean school) in the afternoon. We headed out for a more authentic thai meal with some israeli guys from our course (I had the pizza). Obviously the big game was on in the evening and luckily there are plenty of places showing english footy around here. 5-0 against Andorra, who'd have thunk it?

3 September, Sunday... Earlier start (not loving this diving malarky) but worth it as we got to have our first two dives in the open water, as in the name of the course. It's quite odd to float or sink depending on just how you breathe but I guess I'll get used to it. We did get to see some cool corals and fishes, the instructor even decided to pick a fight with some trigger fish. The instructor seems happy with the group's progress which is quite encouraging. Lunch then more classroom and even an exam (noooo!), I passed which is the good news, no more learning for me!

4 September, Monday... The final day of my course. Two more dives in the morning, unfortunately we went back to the same place as yesterday but there were still plenty of different corals and fish to see.

5 September, Tuesday... Having decided to pass on the option to do the next dive course (advanced) we headed off to Koh Samui to see some more islands and to get a bit closer to Koh Phangan for the full moon party on the 7th.

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Photos

Swimming pool fun
We had to do this too

Comments

[Cathy]

Life is unfair!
You have your PADI? Cool! I still cannot believe that you guys are out there and we're back in cold, disgusting Holland...at work. Life is just so unfair! When r u heading to Aussie? Don't forget to stop by Adelaide!

[Cathy]

Life sucks!
Odd...I just posted a message, but it didn't show. Ah well, then I just type it again. Just wondering where you guys were and I cannot believe you're still in Asia. Thought you'd be in Aussie by now. Don't forget to to go Adelaide when you're there! You're all enjoying the world, while I'm in cold Holland and at work.....life sucks! Rogier sends his regards too!